Conversation Capture
Conceptual explorations for AI-generated conversational atmospheres
2021 - 2022
Interactive Technology Design (MSc. Course Project)
Developed with
Ties School, Miriam Ayala Cruz and Sophia Van der Laan
Masters for Design for Interaction,
TU Delft, Netherlands
Project Background
We see beauty in conversations! Every so often we have a beautiful conversation. A conversation where you are connected to the other. Where you feel the growth of that conversation and a sense of harmony. These are meaningful moments that you want to experience to the fullest and want to relive.
Conversations are always different. They can be deep and intimate, light and fun, with two or more people, with comfortable and uncomfortable silences. For us, listening and responding is what makes conversations beautiful.
Growth is another aspect of beautiful conversations. We’ve all experienced conversations in which our topics flow from one to the next, making you wonder how you got there.
We want to capture and reflect this beautiful growth, and create the right atmosphere to build connections through conversations.
Different kinds of conversation call for different kinds of atmospheres to flourish. No matter the type of conversation, when people listen and respond it may encourage beautiful exchanges amongst two or many!
Design Goal
The conversation capture aims to create an atmosphere for these beautiful conversations in a public space, and possibly offers a means to relive the beauty of these conversations.
Design Concept
The Conversation Cafe, situated in the city center, allows visitors to immerse in conversations and experience meaningful moments.
The Conversation Capture hangs above each table in the cafe. The object constantly grows as conver- sations grow by listening and responding.
Unique projections are made based on the topics being talked about. Denser and brighter clusters appear as conversations go deeper into a topic. As topics change, new clusters form.
The object also opens up and closes down to create appropriate environments for conversations to bloom.
Prototyping and Design Development
MOVEMENT EXPLORATION
FORM EXPLORATION
FUNCTION EXPLORATION
How it works
The Conversation Capture is made of four segments of origami. The folds are made in a specific way that enable the segments to grow when they open.
Directional microphones capture distinct voices from the table. AI listens for balance in conversations.
If there is listening and responding or there are meaningful silences, the object grows constantly. However, the growth of the object freezes when there is crosstalk with constant interruptions. Based on the AI, motors control the growth of each segment individually.
The AI detects keywords and distinguishes topics to create the projections, through a short throw projector over the object. The algorithm learns from the conversation, to improve its behaviour. Though it doesn’t save any recordings after the conversation takes place.
The AI also detects the tone of conversations. Another motor controls the tail end of the segments. An upward movement creates an open atmosphere for light and fun conversations. It moves downward to create a cozy atmosphere for deep and intimate conversations.
Final Prototype and Exhibition
